Kissimmee Begins Series Versus Germany

The Nine-team Little League Senior World Series Starts Today In Osceola County.

August 12, 2001|By Frank Carroll, Sentinel Staff Writer

KISSIMMEE -- After years of watching the world play in its backyard, Kissimmee debuts opposite Germany today at 7 p.m. in Little League Baseball's 41st Senior World Series at Osceola County Stadium.

"Getting to a World Series won't make us happy. We've talked about winning since Day 1," Coach Bobby Vaughan said. "We want to do more than show up."

Orlando Conway became the first host team to win a pennant in 1999, upsetting Venezuela in an international field of 15-and 16-year-olds.

Kissimmee, District 3's champ from Central Florida, this year faces the Far East, Europe, Latin America, Canada and four U.S. geographical champs in a week-long 22-game double-elimination tournament.

"While we don't play favorites, it's nice to see a team that has never been here qualify. It's particularly nice to see a hometown team," said Tournament Director Greg Gentleman.

Kyle Ramsey, a 14-year-old left-hander and winning pitcher in a 9-2 win over Winter Park to wear a District 3 crown, will start for Kissimmee. Kyle Bell, Adam Bengston and Chad Dekle complete the rotation with Austin Hubbard the closer. That staff, 6-1 in tournament play, has allowed six earned runs.

Credit catcher Drew Powell.

"The job Powell has done handling pitchers has put a smile on my face," Vaughan said.

In exhibitions, Dr. Phillips and Eustis meet at 12:30 p.m. followed by Winter Park and Tampa at 3 p.m. Opening ceremonies follow as 6 p.m. and feature a tribute to Lou Emery, the tournament's director from 1986 until his death this past spring at 76.